I found myself yet again sitting on that ‘oh so familiar’ bench in the middle of Ponyville Park, looking up towards the night sky for some sort of inspiration. It was honestly stunning, seeing all those stars shine brightly up above, gazing down upon the world like a guardian angel. Luna always puts in her best effort during this time of year.
I sighed, my breath clearly visible. “Brrrrr…” I let out over being so cold, the scarf wrapped around me doing little to fight off the frigid night air. Just as I was about to pull out my lyre from its case next to me, a harsh gust of wind blew past me, amplifying my discomfort. “Perhaps tonight is not a good night for some practice?”
I stared at my lyre’s case, it seeming to gaze right back at me. “Okay, fine! You win.” Using my magic, I opened up the musical case, and pulled out my cherished instrument. The image of thin strands of magic conjured in my mind, manipulating the strings of the lyre to play a warm, soothing tune.
It was the same image I imagined each time I played my instrument. I have no idea how other races managed music as a hobby, but I’m just thankful for being a unicorn. The ol’ head stick has its uses, after all.
One string, then another. Slowly I began to play a simple melody, one that matched both the beauty around me, and the harsh cold that inhabited it, all the while thinking of the night itself, and how it held such wondrous, yet mysterious sights.
I felt myself getting really into it, my mind becoming a blur of raw focus and passion. Music was my lifeblood, my one true saving grace and talent. I poured those emotions into each and every one of my songs, even the simplest ones. The symphony of my soul was constantly bleeding into my music, a sort of echo of my being that demanded to be heard.
Though, even with all of the focus I put into this song, I never lost the zen-like feeling of simply creating something new. Well, maybe not new, but for bringing life to some sort of husk of an idea buried deep inside me. It relaxed my nerves, and helped stave off that dreary, existential sensation.
Though, sometimes it only strengthened that gloomy feeling. I think it has to do with not living up to what I want my music to be, or maybe it’s because inspiration is a double-edged sword. It can either fill you with so much energy and positive emotions that you’ll be hard pressed not to burst into a million pieces, or it can make you realize just how sad and miserable it is to know what you imagine in your head is not exactly what will be played when in practice. Your vision exceeds your grasp, and all that.
With my mind jumping from one thought to another, I failed to noticed I’d stopped playing my lyre, and instead just stared off into the distance. I then let out a breath I had no idea I was holding, once again being greeted with that bothersome cold that gripped me with its icy talons.
“Excuse me, miss. Why are you out her by your lonesome?” A stallion’s voice called off to my side, making me turn my head lethargically to see who’d asked that question. To my surprise, it was Time Turner, somepony I hadn’t seen since Cranky Doodle’s and Matilda's wedding.
“Oh, you know, just enjoying the fresh air.” I replied, scooting over and setting my lyre back in its case, then placing it onto the ground before me.“Care to join me? Awful lonely out here this time of year, don’t you think?”
“Well, I don’t know. I really should be getting back home.” He looked lost in thought, “However, I really did enjoy that music you were playing earlier… Ah, well. Sure, but not for too long, alright?”
I beamed a warm smile, “Thanks.” As he took a seat next to me, I noticed how he was carrying what appeared to be a heavy load inside his saddlebags. “So, uh, what are you doing out here, anyway? Figured somepony like you would be huddled up next to a fireplace like everypony else?”
“Well, you see, I’ve actually been working on this project for about a month now. A bit of a thing-a-majig that’ll help Princess Twilight get a read on some sort of magical disruption, or whatever. Cool stuff, but I just got so into it that I figured, hey, why don’t I try to pinpoint what she’s looking for and get some understanding into it myself? I mean, this could be beneficial to our understanding of Equestria as a whole, so I just couldn’t contain myself!”
I raised a brow, and scooted an inch or so away from him. “Wow, that actually does sound pretty cool. But what’s in the bags, anyway?” I pointed a hoof towards his saddlebags, drawing his eyes to what I meant. “Unless this is some sort of secret thing-a-majig for the thing-a-majig that nopony can lay their eyes on.”
“Oh, that? That’s nothing but blueprints and spare parts. And I guess this is kinda secret, in the sense you wouldn’t want to be telling just anypony about it… wait a minute.” He face-hoofed, launching me into a fit of laughter.
“Nice going, pal. Really messed this one up, didn’t you?” I couldn’t stop laughing, it was just too rich. After a moment, I was able to catch my breath, and noticed his reddened face. “No need to worry about a thing, my lips are sealed. In fact, I already forgot what we were talking about.”
“Well, guess it’s too late to turn back now, anyway. Since you got me on the topic and all, wanna get a good look at this contraption of mine? Beats sitting out here in the cold, if I do say so myself.” His eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Great wickering stallions, I forgot to stop to get something to eat. Have you had anything yet, Miss uh…”
“Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings.”
“Yes, Miss Heartstrings, have you had anything to eat for dinner. If not, I’d be more than willing to get us both something on the way back to my place, on one condition. Could you play me another song on that fantastic lyre of yours?”
His face was just so pleading, I couldn’t help but shake my head with a mirthful smile. “Alright, sounds like a fair trade to me. Though, we got to have something fresh. I’ve been having leftovers these past few days, myself.”
“Then how in the world have you been surviving out here, when all you’ve had to eat are the scraps of proper meals? That settles it then.” He got up, beckoning for me to do so as well. What a energetic stallion. “I’m sure someplace is open right now. If not, I’m sure the fridge has something in it, though I’m not the most creative cook out there, by any stretch of the word.”
I just wanted to grab him then and there, and force him to slow down. Not that I didn’t mind all the enthusiasm, and tangents, I was just having a hard time keeping up. “It’s fine, buddy. Let’s just head on over to your place, and cook up something there instead.” I shivered, trying to seem as frigid as possible. “Awful cold out here, so the sooner we’re out of here, the better.”
“Couldn’t agree more, my friend.”
* * * *
The outside of the stallion’s place was nothing to write home about. In fact, compared to all the houses around it, it appeared to be terribly out of shape. The roof appeared sick, almost like it would cave in at a moment’s notice, and the wood that held it all together was a far cry from what everypony else had for their homes. “Umm?”
“Yes, yes, I get that a lot. Just come inside, you’ll soon find that looks are quite deceiving.” He opened the door for me like a true gentlecolt, allowing me to peer into his place before I even stepped hoof inside. To my surprise, it was as tidy as any Canterlotian’s house, even smelling fresh and pristine.
“How in the world?”
“As I said, looks can be deceiving. Now, how about a soothing cup of hot chocolate to hold you over till dinner? Should warm you right up, after all.” Before I even had a chance to reply, he was off to some other part of the house, more than likely the kitchen.
Fully inside the place now, I decided to make myself at home, and set my lyre’s case down to the side of the living room couch, plopping my hindquarters on the couch with a sigh of relief. The feeling was sublime, and I couldn’t help but moan in ecstasy. It beat sitting on a bench, out in the cold, to say the least.
Now content with myself, I closed my eyes in a sort of meditation as I imagined the world around me. Pretty, spectacular things popped up, as well as worn-out, rotten things. Life itself the pure representation of balance, harmony in which I could lose myself and become one with the Earth.
I failed to notice my magic take control of my lyre and play the thoughts I had aloud for all to hear. Well, for one other besides myself to hear, but the impact of which felt like I was on a stage in front of thousands.
Truly, even when in good company, it was hard for me to not feel isolated and alone. My thoughts seeming so distant from everypony, crying to be heard and understood, yet not quite reaching their destination. I could only let the world, and thus everypony, hear my music. It was the very representation of myself, and if they were able to understand it, much like most ponies could, then they could understand me. Music is a way of portraying emotion in its most raw, and pure form.
I started to hum along to the tune, adding a bit of my inner voice to the song my lyre begged me to play for the audience of my mind, and to the one who was gracious enough to offer me a warm meal and home to stay in for awhile. I filled it with all the warmth and care for the generosity, and all the joy and bliss I felt having somepony to talk to on such a night. A moment in time that would soon be forgotten by most, but to me, would last for as long as my music lasted with him.
I then hung my head low, feeling a tingling sensation on the tip of my muzzle. Opening my eyes, I was greeted with the comforting sight of hot chocolate with little marshmallows floating on the surface.
“Figured it’d be rude of me to interrupt such lovely music, so I just sort of set your cup down and sat here for a bit, listening to you do your thing. I say you’ve more than paid for this and then some.” He gave me such honest smile, I couldn’t help but be enraptured by its glowing brilliance.
“Thanks again.” I magiced up the cup to my muzzle, taking a sip from the euphorically exquisite drink. It made my eyes shoot wide from the flavor; truly it had been too long since I had a good cup of hot chocolate. “It’s delicious. Sort of reminds me of the times I’d have hot chocolate with my family while we sat by the fireplace during this time of year.”
“Whatever happened to make you stop this year?” He looked genuinely concerned.
“Oh, you know. I just grew older, and moved out, and what not. Been living by myself for a few years now, freelancing as a musician. It pays the bills, but… it does get tiresome after a while having nopony to share your days with.”
“Are you saying you don’t have any friends?” His concern seemed to grow in intensity..
“No, no! I have friends, of course. Twilight Sparkle, Bon Bon, and a few others back home. It’s just they’re usually so busy, especially this time of year, it becomes pretty difficult to spend time with them.” I yawned, the hot chocolate making me feel a little sleepy. “I spend most my time practicing like you saw before, and thinking about whatever comes to mind.”
“I get what you’re saying. I got friends myself, much like anypony, but they tend to get rather bored with the stuff I’m interested in. Though, Ditzy is always a welcome sight every time she stops by to check up on me.”
Perhaps me and him were more alike than I thought? “Ditzy, as in the mailmare? Wouldn’t have thought she’d be into all this technical stuff.”
“Oh, she doesn’t really understand it all, but she listens nonetheless. I think she does so ‘cause her daughter is into these sorts of things. A way to bond with her, perhaps? As I’m sure you know, since most of Ponyville does, she doesn’t have a partner like she once used to...”
The air was cold yet again, the silence letting both me and him know just how depressing the thought was.
“Anyways, I should go prepare us something to eat. That way I could show you that machine I was going on about earlier, though feel free to object if it isn’t up your alley. I’m just glad to have some company who’d not fall asleep on me when I ramble on.”
“No, it’s fine.” I waved a hoof at him, “go do your thing, so we can eat, and move onto the other reason why I’m here.”
He merely smiled back at me.
* * * *
After we filled ourselves with the salad he hastily put together from the ingredients he had lying around, we made our way towards his basement, a dark and unsettling sight, considering how it was so dim that I couldn’t make out what was down there. “Umm, not to destroy the good mood and all, but it’s a bit creepy going into a basement with somepony I just met.”
He laughed, “Nonsense, I wouldn’t even think of doing something barbaric down there. No, watch and see.” He walked down the steps, his hoofsteps growing more distant by the second. Suddenly, lights turned on, and I could finally see what was down inside the basement.
I quickly made my way down the steps, getting an eyeful of a thousand different contraptions and gizmos the likes of which I’ve never seen in all my years on Celestia’s green Equestria. “Oh my Celestia.” He walked around the place, getting a closer look at some of the smaller bits and pieces scattered about. All of them were beyond my understanding, but that didn’t make them any less intriguing. In fact, it only added to the allure.
Turning around, I was greeted with the smuggest look a stallion has ever given me. “Well, like what you see?”
“Do I?” I turned around again to take the whole place in, and let myself try to comprehend just how many hours must have been spent down here toiling away on each and every one of the machines presented before me. “It’s… I have no words.”
“Funny, you’re giving me the exact same face Ditzy did when I first showed her this place.” He trotted up to my side. “But, you did come down here to see the majigger I’ve talked about on end earlier. Come, this way.”
Doing as he said, we made our way to the far side of the room, a large object hidden behind a veil now standing before us.
“Now, I’m going to need you to not lose yourself over the brilliance of this machine. It’s quite possibly the most complex and impressive piece I’ve ever constructed.” Not even allowing me to nod my head in reply, he quickly shoved the veil out of the way, revealing what he’d been talking about.
It was cylindrical in shape, but had a console of sorts in the center of it. Buttons and an array of flashing lights gave it a sleek and exciting build. Up on top of the machine was an antenna of sorts, moving to and fro as it seemed to be looking for something.
“This bad girl here is what I’m going to show Princess Twilight come tomorrow. All I need is a few more adjustments, and it’s ready for use. With Celestia as my witness, I will one day shock the world with my brilliance. Don’t you think?”
That’s when something just clicked into place for me, as I realized why I was having such a good time with Time Turner. He and I both had a passion that consumed us both, forcing us to listen to its command until we’d either collapse from exhaustion, or push the boundaries of what made what we love so fantastic.
As I continued to lose myself in that thought, I instinctively began putting together a song inside my head. A song that encompassed the both of us, and how we were slaves to our own helpless desires.
“Umm, Miss Heartstrings. Are you alright? Didn’t blow your mind too hard, did I?”
I was knocked out of reverie by Time Turner’s familiar voice, making me shake my head to clear my thoughts. “No, no. Just had a thought, and got carried away with it.”
He laughed. “I know the feeling well.” He then glanced off to the side. “Good heavens, look at the time!”
Looking to see where his eyes wandered, I took note of the clock on the wall, and how it read half past twelve. “Oh, shoot! We really have lost track of time, haven’t we?” I ran a hoof through my mane. “Guess it’s about time I headed back to my place to get some shut-eye. It really has been a blast talking with you, and I wouldn’t mind hanging out more often. So, how about it, would you mind my keeping me company from time to time? As I said before, it does get awful lonely this time of year.”
There was that, and the fact he looked kinda cute. Especially when he went on about his mechanisms.
He nodded his head vigorously. “Of course, of course. I already showed you around the place, and considering how everypony who’s been down here has always wanted to come back, you’re more than welcome.”
“You mean just me, Ditzy, and you.”
“Technicalities, technicalities.”
We both shared a laugh, before we started making our way upstairs. As I took my lyre’s case inside a field of my magic, I turned to him saying, “Catch you later.”
He nodded. “Likewise.”
I then made my way out the door, jumping with joy over making a new friend, and somepony who’d listen to the melodies I finely crafted with care. Somepony who’d be giving me plenty of inspiration for years to come, much in the same way I would come to inspire him.